Gratitude awakes

Gratitude nudges me awake in the morning

And whispers, “Look at the light.”

Grateful for the morning

When it’s been a hard night

Gratitude that I have another day

To look for a moment of your presence

Your peace and goodness

Your profound love

Gratitude bids me listen

To a bird’s dawn song

To watch a leaf

Catch a ride on the breeze

Or shed a tear

With a kindred spirit

Gratitude sings me to sleep

When I finally give in

And let loose

Of the worry and torment within

Gratitude envelopes me

With wings like a pillow

Until it’s time

To wake again with gratitude

*From Brave as Thistles copyright 2023 Lauri Cruver Cherian